Turku and the Archipelago Sea: boating safety
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The Archipelago Sea between Turku and Åland is one of the world's largest archipelagos, with thousands of islands and skerries, narrow marked channels and many guest harbours. Turku is the gateway city; the outer islands include the Archipelago National Park. Large passenger ferries to Sweden and Åland use the main fairways.
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Harbour and marinas
Ship traffic in the area is monitored by Fintraffic's Archipelago VTS, working channel VHF 71. In the Port of Naantali harbour area vessels must keep a listening watch on VHF 11.
Fintraffic – Master's Guide, Archipelago VTS · Fintraffic – Master's Guide, Archipelago VTS ▾
Weather
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) issues the marine weather forecast for shipping by sea area, updated six times a day; FMI also issues warnings and wave forecasts for the Archipelago Sea.
Finnish Meteorological Institute ▾
Local rules
In the Archipelago National Park, landing on some islands is prohibited from April to July to protect nesting birds and seal islets (e.g. the western part of Jurmo, 1 April–31 July). Anchoring is prohibited in Örö guest harbour and near Örö.
Metsähallitus – Luontoon.fi · Metsähallitus – Luontoon.fi ▾
Hazards
Since 1 May 2025 ships over 45 m may not meet or overtake in set areas on the Kuuva–Turku Harbour route and the Pansio and Perno fairways unless agreed on VHF 71. Expect large ships and ferries to need the whole channel there and keep their passage clear.
Port of Turku · Port of Turku ▾
Vessels in the Archipelago VTS area must report 10 minutes before entering, departing or crossing a merchant shipping lane.
Fintraffic – Master's Guide, Archipelago VTS ▾
Hospital and medical
Tyks T-Hospital in Turku (Savitehtaankatu 1, entrance 18O) has emergency services open 24/7. The medical help line 116117 is available 24/7.
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Turku and the Archipelago Sea?
Call MRCC Turku on +358 294 1000. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Turku and the Archipelago Sea?
Ship traffic in the area is monitored by Fintraffic's Archipelago VTS, working channel VHF 71. In the Port of Naantali harbour area vessels must keep a listening watch on VHF 11.
Where do I get the marine forecast for Turku and the Archipelago Sea?
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) issues the marine weather forecast for shipping by sea area, updated six times a day; FMI also issues warnings and wave forecasts for the Archipelago Sea.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com